In 1927, Axel and Beda Sterner and two relatives drove from New York City to Los Angeles by car, with a good portion of their journey along U.S. 66, which was less than one year old. Sterner wrote a journal about his experiences each night along the trek. These musings might have been forgotten if it … Continue reading Journal of a 1927 road trip
“Route 66” television series marks 50th anniversary
On this day in 1960, the first episode of the "Route 66" television show aired on CBS. Although the drama would last just four seasons and seldom took place on the Mother Road, you can chalk up "Route 66" as a big reason the real Route 66 became the legend it is today. "Route 66" … Continue reading “Route 66” television series marks 50th anniversary
Tornadoes strike near Flagstaff
Two tornadoes touched down Wednesday in the Route 66 village of Bellemont, Ariz., west of Flagstaff, causing widespread damage, according to varying northern Arizona media outlets. One of the casualties was the Camping World on Route 66 in Bellemont. About 30 RVs were blown over and scattered debris over Interstate 40. A freight train was blown off … Continue reading Tornadoes strike near Flagstaff
Admiral Twin rebuild effort raises $25,000 so far
The good news is that $25,000 in donations have been collected to rebuild the Admiral Twin Drive-In theater in Tulsa after its outdoor screen burned down Sept. 3. The bad news is that an architect estimates that building a new double screen will cost up to $250,000, according to an article today by KRMG radio … Continue reading Admiral Twin rebuild effort raises $25,000 so far
Albuquerque doesn’t like ‘freeway feel’ of east end
Albuquerque officials don't like the vibe that the east end of Central Avenue (aka Route 66) exudes. So they say they're going to take steps to make it friendlier to residents and travelers, reports KOB-TV. After listening to hundreds of concerns, a complete overhaul in the area is coming with the establishment of new bike … Continue reading Albuquerque doesn’t like ‘freeway feel’ of east end
Jazz it up
This is a band called The Grand Marquis, based in Kansas City. On this performance of Bobby Troup's most famous song, the musicians show good jazz chops.
Theater to debut play about Nat King Cole
The Amun Ra Theater in Nashville, Tenn., on Friday will host the world premiere of a one-man musical, "Route 66: Finding Nat King Cole." If you don't know who Cole is or what his significance to Route 66 is, this little clip should suffice: The Amun Ra production stars jeff obafemi carr (yes, that's how his name … Continue reading Theater to debut play about Nat King Cole
Historic building in Albuquerque reopens as hotel
Hotel Parq Central, located at the former location of Santa Fe Hospital in Albuquerque, opened for business last week as a boutique hotel, according to a news release at Travel Daily News. The hospital was built in 1926 near downtown off Central Avenue (aka Route 66) by the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad to … Continue reading Historic building in Albuquerque reopens as hotel
Signs of life
Tulsa-area residents and frequent travelers of Route 66 in Oklahoma probably have noticed the decline of the Crystal City shopping center in southwest Tulsa. The shopping center, which once featured a bowling alley, was built in 1958 and became a big shopping draw in the region for many years. However, in at least the past … Continue reading Signs of life
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge may be site for casino
I missed this development in the St. Louis area, but longtime St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bill McClellan writes about the possibility of a casino being built at the foot of the west side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which once carried Route 66 and now is used as a pedestrian and bicycle trail. … Continue reading Old Chain of Rocks Bridge may be site for casino